Disinheritance means leaving someone out of a will or trust on purpose. If you think you were unfairly left out, you can challenge this decision in court. Lack of testamentary capacity One reason to challenge disinheritance is if the person who made the will or trust...
Year: 2024
Reasons a health care directive should be in your estate plan
Incorporating a health care directive in your California estate plan can ensure your medical wishes are honored if you become incapacitated. This legal document, also known as an advance directive, specifies your preferences for medical treatment and appoints a...
When should you create an estate plan?
Creating an estate plan is essential for individuals over 40 who own homes and have children. Estate planning ensures that your assets go where you want them to and provides peace of mind for you and your family. Here’s when you should consider creating or updating...
Does power of attorney override the wishes of a spouse?
Power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives one person the authority to act on behalf of another. This authority can include making financial, medical, or legal decisions. In California, a person can appoint anyone as their agent through a POA, including a...
Estate plan provisions to ensure pets are taken care of
Caring for your pets after you pass away is a critical element of your California estate plan. By incorporating specific provisions, you can guarantee that your pets continue to receive the love and care they deserve. Create a pet trust A pet trust is an effective...
How to reduce conflicts between your loved ones during probate
Probate can be a difficult time for your family after you pass away. With emotions running high, there is potential for disagreements throughout this process of distributing your assets according to your will. It’s important to understand what steps you can take...
Planning for organ donation with an advance directive
Advance directives ensure others honor your healthcare choices when you can't communicate. These documents spell out your decisions on medical care and more. In turn, this helps others understand your wishes during critical times. One significant choice you can...
Legal challenges in accessing digital assets after death
Accessing a deceased person’s digital assets can be complex. As more of our lives move online, understanding these challenges is crucial for estate planning and management. Today, digital assets can have extremely high value, especially when linked to cryptocurrency...
Four reasons to include a letter of instruction with a will
When you plan your estate, you will likely create a will to outline how to distribute your assets following your death. However, a will alone may not fully express your wishes and preferences. Also, there is the chance your family might not understand all of your...
Understanding springing power of attorney
Creating a power of attorney (POA) is a crucial part of estate planning, but many people are unaware of the different types and their specific uses. It is important to understand the springing power of attorney and the relevant California laws that govern it. What is...

